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Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech, given 50 years ago today at the historic March on Washington, is among the most famous oratories in American history. A breathtaking example of King's erudition, passion, and powers of rhetoric, it drew upon sources ranging from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address ("Five score years ago…") to the Declaration of Independence ("all men—ye, black men as well as white men—would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness") to Shakespeare's Richard III ("This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent…"). Most important, its message is as relevant and galvanizing today as it was half a century ago.

(Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty)

Macklemore

Macklemore said this during his acceptance speech for Best Video With a Message at the 2013 VMA Awards. Following his comments, he took to the stage with his right-hand man, Ryan Lewis, to perform the song from the award-winning video—the powerful gay rights anthem "Same Love"—along with singers Mary Lambert and Jennifer Hudson.

Photo: Mark Venema/Getty Images

Peter Dinklage

Even though he’s willing to unleash wildfire on the forces of Stannis Baratheon to keep his psychotic nephew in power, Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage couldn’t bring himself to hurt an animal. That’s why he’s a vegetarian. He’s also an amazing hula hooper.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller, the star of Prison Break, wrote a letter gracefully declining an invitation to the St. Petersburg International Film Festival in protest of the Russian government’s crackdown on homosexual "propaganda." Miller is the first actor to come out in light of the anti-gay legislation signed into law by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has already inspired athlete protests and raised questions about participation in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Photo: Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images

Reddit Saves

On August 19, Lee Thompson Young, known to many millennials as the Famous Jett Jackson, took his own life, which led us to wonder what resources despondent people have to prevent such tragedies.

We were amazed to discover at least one unlikely outlet: That same day, on the Team Fortress 2 subreddit, user Manncomann offered to auction off all his points on the game to his fellow TF2 redditors because he was planning to end his life over the harassment he received after making a rude joke to a friend. Thankfully, they talked him out of it.

If you're ever feeling desperate, know that there are always people to help. Reach out to a friend, therapist, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Photo: Bryan Sutter/Creative Commons via Flickr

Russia may be going to the dogs, but...

The American Kennel Club, which has come under fire from the ASPCA and other groups for alleged lax standards for member breeders, has gotten one thing right: On the heels of Russia’s recent anti-gay legislation, they penned a letter to the international kennel club federation FCI declaring they will not participate in the 2016 World Dog Show if it is held as planned in Russia.

Photo: Lars Plougman/Creative Commons via Flickr

Marc Ruffalo

In a move this weekend that inspired many (and ensured that the last 11 pro-choice women on Earth who weren’t already in love with him now definitely are), actor Mark Ruffalo wrote a passionate, articulate, and very personal letter in support of women’s right to choose. Sent as an endorsement of a rally outside Mississippi’s last remaining abortion clinic, the missive detailed his mother’s horrific experience getting an illegal abortion and referenced Ruffalo’s own wife and children as part of his reasons for his support.

Tiny Houses: Adventurous Design Edition

If you're a nontraditionalist, a tiny house probably has a lot of appeal for you. But if you're also interested in cutting-edge architecture, then you're most likely looking for something more creative than the usual cottage or bungalow styles popular in micro-homes today.

These tiny houses should fit the bill; unusual, innovative, and anything but expected, they're as unforgettable for their unique design as they are for their small size.

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about takepart

TakePart is the digital news and lifestyle magazine from Participant Media, the company behind such acclaimed documentaries as CITIZENFOUR, An Inconvenient Truth, and Food, Inc. and feature films including Lincoln and Spotlight.